Income Maximisation & Budgeting Adviser (Temporary until June 2027) - STR07800

Stirling Council; Stirling; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established local authority seeks dedicated Income Maximisation and Budgeting Advisers to support vulnerable residents and refugees in achieving financial stability. This role involves providing expert advice on welfare rights, budgeting, and navigating the UK benefit system. The successful candidates will play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive community, enhancing digital skills, and ensuring that individuals receive the necessary support to thrive. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this organization offers a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus 7 public holidays

Flexible working arrangements

Incremental pay progression

Local Government Pension Scheme membership

Sick pay benefits

Carers Leave

Paid Paternity Leave

Health & Wellbeing support

Learning & Development opportunities

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in advising vulnerable clients on welfare rights issues.
• Ability to assist with budgeting and financial management.

Responsibilities

• Support refugees and residents with accessing welfare benefits.
• Provide guidance on the UK benefit system and budgeting.

Skills

Welfare Rights Advising

Budgeting Support

Digital Skills Training

Client Advocacy

Education

Relevant Degree or Qualification

Tools

Oracle Recruitment Portal

Job description

Job Description

To apply for this position, please click the 'Click here to apply' link below. This will direct you to Stirling Council's new recruitment portal, Oracle. If you are using Oracle for the first time, you will need to register.

Click here to apply

Please provide a full CV with work history, along with a covering letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the job description, including specific examples of advising vulnerable clients on welfare rights issues.

Income Maximisation and Budgeting Adviser (New Scots in Stirling Project)

Stirling Council's advice services offer extensive, independent guidance on money management, debt, and welfare benefits to vulnerable citizens across Stirling. These services are provided through two main initiatives:

• Advice Stirling: Provides money, debt, and benefit advice and advocacy to Stirling citizens through various projects.
• Forth Valley Macmillan Money Matters: Focuses on income maximisation for individuals diagnosed with cancer and their families or carers.

Additionally, the team is a key local provider of digital inclusion services, aimed at enhancing digital skills.

The New Scots in Stirling Project was established in January 2021 as a collaboration between Advice Services, the Resettlement Team, and the Learning and Employability Team. It supports the increasing number of refugees in Stirling, striving to create an inclusive community where everyone can achieve financial stability and independence.

This project includes:

• Resettlement Team: Supports settling in Stirling.
• Learning and Employability: Assists with learning opportunities like ESOL and employment.
• Advice Stirling: Provides income maximisation, welfare advice, budgeting support, guidance on UK benefits, and debt advice.
• Digital Inclusion Programme: Helps improve digital skills and introduces digital services like E-visas and Universal Credit.

The Income Maximisation and Budgeting Advisers will support refugees and residents under immigration control who are new to Scotland, helping them access welfare benefits and understand the UK benefit system. Regular use of interpretation services will be required both in person and via telephone.

Requirements

We are expanding the project and seeking 2 dedicated and resourceful Income Maximisation and Budgeting Advisers and an additional Digital Inclusion Worker. These roles are funded for 2 years and will report to the Senior Money, Debt & Benefit Adviser.

The successful candidate must be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) for Adults. If shortlisted, you will need to complete the verification process.

We encourage applications from candidates regardless of age (restrictions apply to Modern Apprenticeships), disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or race.

The Benefits

• 30 days annual leave plus 7 public holidays, increasing to 35 after 5 years of service.
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid office/home working.
• Biennial incremental pay progression.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. Details at https://www.scotlgpsmember.org/about-the-lgps/.
• Up to 6 months full sick pay and 6 months half pay, depending on service length.
• Carers Leave, Paid Paternity Leave, Health & Wellbeing support, and Learning & Development opportunities.
• Cycle to Work Scheme, Lift Share Scheme, Car Lease Scheme, and Technology Benefit Scheme.